A pretended boldness

There is a pretended boldness for Christ that arises from no better principle than pride. A man may be forward to expose himself to the dislike of the world, and even to provoke their displeasure, out of pride. For it is the nature of spiritual pride to cause men to seek distinction and singularity; and so oftentimes to set themselves at war with those that they call carnal, that they may be more highly exalted among their party.

This is one of several quotes from Jonathan Edwards passed on by Tim Challies. Let our zeal be for God and not merely and pathetically intended to reflect well upon ourselves.